Alternate Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, Elena Kountoura announced a national action program to promote Greek tourism abroad, strengthen market share, secure revenue growth and support those Aegean islands that remain under pressure from refugee flows.
According to the plan, Greece’s Tourism Ministry has signed agreements with major tour operators in Europe and Russia to enhance arrivals, extend the season and introduce new destinations in Greece. Greece this year plans to enter new markets and launch direct flights to China, Korea, Middle East and USA for the summer season.
Moreover, the Greek National tourism Organization (EOT) announced extra support to the islands of Kos, Samos, Lesvos, Chios that withstand pressure by refugee flows.
These islands will receive special promotion by Ms. Kountoura during the upcoming ITB Berlin international tourism exhibition (March 9-13) while fam trips will also be launched for journalists, bloggers and tour operators, after the refugee reception centers are in full operation to prove that these centers will be located away from areas and places of tourist interest.
Joint promotional actions
Moreover, special funds will be allotted for these islands to support joint promotional actions implemented by EOT, the regions of North and South Aegean and tour operators, to increase bookings.
These actions will include free participation of the islands in exhibitions where EOT will represent Greece, launching a social media campaign aimed to boost reservations and last minute bookings as well as the creation of a program to attract more Greeks to the islands.
Furthermore, EOT, the General Secretariat of Information and SETE plan a launch a monitoring program to ascertain the islands are receiving positive publicity in the markets of the UK, Germany, The Netherlands, France and the US.
Ms. Kountoura also said that she will support Attica as a city-break and cruise destination and promote the Athenian Riviera while cooperating with relevant ministries, the Attica Region, the Municipality of Athens and the Athens – Attica & Argosaronic Hotel Association to ensure that the refugee flows are not directed to the tourist spots.
According to the ministry, the latest booking figures confirm that the overall picture of Greece’s tourism performance for this season is showing positive signs.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
